Dam Hot!!
Today 3 states NSW, Victoria and South Australia are experiencing abnormally hot temps. They said on the news the eastern/south states in OZ are the hottest place on the planet today even hotter then the Sahara Dessert. GEEZ thanks I really needed to know that at the moment with the Temp expected to peak at 44+ Celcius in Melbourne today. Country Victoria into central NSW is expecting 47C 
My dogs are going crazy being confined and so am I, BRING ON WINTER SOON !!!!! Last Sunday hubby got up at 6.30 in the morning and took the two puppers to the fenced oval for a couple of hours for off lead romps, they needed it to burn off energy. Hubby socks are coming in handy for paws to get across the hot brick patio to what is left of the dust bowl so called lawn area.  Shhhh don't tell him I am using his sports socks on the dogs, he wont know as I wash and have them back in his draw so non the wiser  
Hard to sleep as well when night temps don't go under the low 30's to high 20's, my Air Con is going 24/7 cant wait for the next electricity bill NOT!!!!! 
Hoping also the state does not erupt into a fire ball, same conditions as when Ash Wednesday devastated the state and took 18 lives and a multitude of homes. We are on a bush fire plan for today living on the outskirts of Melbourne. Just an update just heard from my sister in Country Victoria, raging fire not far from them, thank goodness for cell phones to keep up to date with her, send blessings she does not loose her home, I am so worried for her and all the farm animals. Bring on the cooler months  |
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| I hear you Lisa. I love the heat but this is too much. All the critters, including me are just lolling about inside. I said after the last hot week that I was getting cabin fever. We are in frequent contact with my sister in law too as they are on the outskirts of Melb in a fire prone area and her husband is away. So its her 2 dogs, a horse and lots of hot rabbits and kangaroos.
Hope you and your sister are spared anything nasty.  |
| So So sorry to hear this.
I have been here tonight complaining how cold I am, I guess there is always somewhere worse. Hope you get cooler and we get warmer. |
Talking about rabbits Mim, lorraine lost hers last week in the heat wave.  They tried everything but the heat beat them in the end.
Possums and birds falling out of trees and the sky, Koalas too and many native animals suffering in the extreme temps. Wildlife services are exteneded to the max.
Just heard an update outsirts of Melbourne has now reached 45+ now |
| Oh that's really sad, poor Lorraine. One of my patients said her work colleague lost their rabbit too, on one of those really hot nights. Poor little critters, I guess the wild ones just have to hope their burrows are deep enough to keep a bit cool, though I doubt there's anywhere cool with these temps. |
at least some of you have air con  |
| OH NO, are you without air con, that would be horrible. Try to keep cool. |
| Sorry about the heat wave.
We are trying to survive the cold here - fortunately we have a small break right now. Maybe you guys will get some relief soon. I say get some popsicles for all of you including the doggies. |
| WOWZA Melbournes records are broken temp just exceeded 46C in the city on the outskirts in the burbs over 47c in some suburbs .
I can't tell you how friggin hot it is here, you go outside and the air nearly burns your nostrils as you breath in the scorching hot northerly wind. Just slurping on frozen yoghurt and the doggies are sharing it too, flopped out on the tiles with the air con on max. None want to go out to potty now, don't blame them one bit, if we have an accident HECK it is on tiles so easy to wipe up. Me sitting here in undies and a singlet top, lets hope no visitors today or I will scare the crap out of them, so hot but who cares about the attire.  |
| I hope you have relief soon...
I know how summers can be HOT! Ours is bad here too! We have funny weather this morning 15 F and by tomorrow it is going to be 70 F! Never know what to wear to work!! Hoping for nicer, cooler days for you and those pretty sheepies! |
Please send prayers this way. I have just talked to my sister in law on her cell phone. Her husband is away visiting his Dad who is dying of throat cancer, so she has taken her 2 dogs and driven up the road to the neighbours as the bush just up behind her property is on fire. They have the helicopters there trying to contain things but we have had a major wind shift so who knows what will happen. I spoke to Lisa on the phone and she and her sister are OK but the fire fighting heliocopters were flying over constantly while I talked to her and there's lots of smoke there. I hope she still has a voice tomorrow.  |
| I'll pray you get some rain soon. Jeez, that's hot. We are under a "fire watch" here, in Melbourne Florida, also due to the lack of rain. |
| I hope you down under get some relief soon.
I would send a bit of our winter chill if I could! |
| Bless your hearts. That's just awful. I really hope you get some relief soon. Ughh!! |
| Stay safe It is on the news here about the heat and fires. You are in my thoughts (and on my TV) |
| Sending some cold snowy snow flake thoughts your way. I hope they know how to land upside-down! |
I pray that you get some cold from us, I watch it on tv and I feel so sorry for you! I hope you and your family will stay ok and your Sheepies too!! Do you shaved their hairs off with the heat? How do they cope??? 
Do you have a pool in your garden? You all could chill out in the pool!!! Keep us updated and good luck for cooler weather!!! xxx |
| Death toll 25 confirmed and possibly more as they seach behind the fire fronts. What a terrifying day. 100's home gone and there was no way of stopping the fires around the state as the heat of 36 +c and 80k gusts of hot dry winds just fanned the fires kilometers ahead of the fire fronts.
Near us 6 Dead at a mountain community, Kinglake, just on the outskirts of Melbourne, we saw the mountain glowing last night and not far from us at Whittlesea & Wondong 4 confirmed dead. Victoria is still burning, declared a state of disaster and there trying to get containment of the fires today as much cooler and no gail force winds today. Victoria was like looking into the gates of hell, fires everywhere. Mims SIL evacuated and is safe at her house. My Sis is still OK, just wish they would come here so am keeping in contact with them today. My son spent the night at friends house in Doreen as they were under ember attack but thank goodness for a wind change they are all safe. He has a friend who lives at Kinglake and is trying to find out about him, the fire just zoomed up the mountain and took the whole community by surprise so many injured and deaths there. They set up a triage at Whittlesea showground and Diamond creek near us and were sending in Ambulance strike teams by Helicopter to try and get to those burnt treatment and were expecting when they could get people down the mountain to start treating them there. |
| My SIL (Sharyn) saw all the ambulances waiting at Diamond Creek as she came through with her two dogs last night. I can't believe so many have died, its awful. Sharyn looked terrible when she got here, too much stress, even her dogs sensed that things were bad.
We have been on the net this morning checking road closures and it looks like Sharyn's husband wont be able to get back home for at least 24 hours as they have closed all the roads for safety. We are all just praying that the winds stay down today. The really horrible thing is that the fire at Sharyn's and some of the other places were deliberately lit. I cant imagine having something like that on my conscience. |
| Just dropped by to check that everyone's safe
Bally and I are fine, but the fire's are only a few towns away. Don't worry, we plan on leaving not fighting if it comes to that (one of the few joys of renting). Keep safe! xx |
| Best wishes to you both and your right if it advances to your area just go it is just not worth lives.
Death Toll around here is rising as search teams start there gizzly task behind the fire fronts. Kinglake west now has 6 dead too. Strathewen 1, Arthurs Creek 1, St.Andrews 2and still counting. Mim what area is your SIL house? Glad to hear her property is still there. I hope they find those bastards if they were deliberately lit in that region. Still waiting on hearing from my son as to how his mate is and their family who live at Kinglake. We were going to Jamieson yesterday for a couple of days but because of road closures can't go. Hopefully by tuesday my hubby can get up there for the day as we want to clear the debris in the gutters and around the house after the heat and gail force winds yesterday. It will be choker block full of dried gum leaves. Stay aware Dominique and listen to ABC radio station, there most up to date in information of which fires are where and towns in line of threat, especially with the wind changes expected this afternoon. |
| Marysville is wiped out and Glenburn in the Yarra Valley is under threat now. Sheesh when will it end, hopefully rain will fall in the next couple of days. |
 Best wishes to you for your safety during this heatwave. I remember what is was like in the Okanagan a few years ago when we had fires all over the place and it was very scary: ash everywhere and flames and smoke on the horizon. Wish there was something I could do to help! |
| Lisa, Sharyn's house is in St Andrew not that far from the St Andrews general store. She has headed back out there today as the wind change has left their area safe. 4 confirmed dead there now. I tried to call her before but both her phones rang out. I'd guess she's meeting up with what's left of the community to figure out if anyone's missing and who needs help.
Hope your son and his friends arent too effected by it all. The prime minister is sending in the armed forces it gotten so bad. |
| I know a lot sheltered in St.Andrews Pub last night, thank goodness that was not burnt to the ground. Been there heaps of times for a meal and such a lovely old historical pub, your SIL is not far from us, hope non of the fatalities are people she is close with or neighbours.
Also hope her hubby can get home soon. Did she have horses on her place? I can't remember if you mentioned she had them ? Helicopters are just going over our place at the moment again, so noisy but the dogs are amused and looking out the windows as to what is buzzing in the sky, just glad we can have all the windows and house open with the cooler day. The dust in the house is amazing, even red dust from god knows where on everything.
The smoke smell is not too bad today, last night we left the windows closed and air con on even though a lot cooler but to keep the dust and smell of smoke out of the house. Dust out Crikeys that did not work. |
| Yep know the St Andrews pub well, it is a great venue. Will have to meet you there for a meal one night. Sharyn is such a great cook that her husband is loath to eat out And luckily she loves cooking so they're both happy but it means we dont eat at The Pub much when we're there. It is such a relief to be cooler. I keep thinking how glad the fire fighters must be in those fire fighting suits. They must nearly melt in them on days like yesterday. |
| I hope you all and all your loved ones will be safe.
I am so sorry, I know this has to be scary! |
| Praying that the winds will die down and that cooler weather will arrive.
The news is just staggering. I post on another forum that has members in Oz and so many are worried about family and friends. |
| The news is getting worse. 35 confirmed dead, more in hospital not expected to make it and they havent managed to reach some places yet so epecting to find more deceased. |
| Happy tears. my son just walked in the door, his mate at Kinglake got out early in the evening last night, as his partner is 2 1/2 months pregnant, they are safe their house is gone.
In Doreen troy said with the grass fire licking at the new estates borders as well as the embers from the fires at Whittlesea and arthurs creek quite a sleepless night they all had. Just so glad for his buddy at Kinglake. I have never been so apprehensive as of yesterday with all the conditions around. Not over yet but at least the weather is more bearable. |
| More happy tears just heard from my sister they're all OK, Not far from them on the outskirts of Bendigo over 50+ homes gone. Her hubby is with the CFA and they have had no power so hence no contact with us all day. Been worried sick but there safe and sound now. Police have just started the search in burnt remains up there too.
What a day  |
| Sharyn was out all day helping to put out spot fires, hence we couldnt get her. She phoned just before to say that her hubby has phoned to say he has got through from Lakes Entrance so he should be home soon.
Thanks goodness your son's mate got out. Its terrible to lose your home but too many lives have been lost and its not worth it. Will phone now to find out if my parents in law in Bendigo have power or not. |
| Death toll is over 50 now and still rising.
David wont be going to Jamieson on Tuseday, the Marysville fire that destroyed the town is expected to jump Big River and be heading up that way in inaccesable country so we have to wait wether the fire is going to reach there. Mansfield is under threat too in the next 24-48 hours. |
| News has hit the main American obedience list as well and touched on the dog and other pet/livestock fatalities. You'd think we'd be used to listening to these kinds of stories given that this happens pretty regularly in California, but not with this kind of death toll. Did this catch you completely off guard?
You all stay safe and continue to keep us posted please. Kristine |
| Thanks for your good wishes Kristine! I have been trying not to think about all the wild animals, livestock and pets that have been lost, its just awful. I know Lisa was worried for her sister's cattle but sounds like they're OK. Sorry Lisa I forgot you asked about Sharyn's horse and yes he is OK too
The Weather Bureau here had forcast really bad bushfire conditions and warned that it was going to be repeat conditions of a day we call Black Friday when there were big fires and large losses of stock and human life, but it has turned out even worse than the previous bad fires. These fires are around the outskirts of Melbourne and another major country city where there are lots of houses and farmlets in the hills, so its been very devastating. There is TV footage of houses simply exploding before the fires even get too them due to the extreme heat from the fire and a 45 degree day. And due to the high winds houses burnt down that were still 20km away from the fire front. The owners didnt even realise that they were at risk yet. Yesterday was one day I was glad I lived inner city, despite the small backyard that requires daily visits to offlead areas. |
| That is just awful.
I am heading off to work, and just caught up on the news. I hope today gives yoiu a break. Glad to hear most have heard from family and friends and that they are safe. |
| I'm so sorry to read of all the loss of life and property, hoping and praying for you all. |
| The Weather Channel just showed a segment about 1 hour ago. It noted the temps were about 117F. I just can't imagine that much heat. Hope you see some relief shortly here. |
| Death toll now 108 and still rising, fires still burning too.
A lady that ran a boarding Kennel lost all the dogs there. Vets are going in behind the fire fronts when safe and are euthanising those animals caught up in the disaster. Just horrific the scenes of destruction and loss of life. |
| Definately Bad News Week here in Oz.As well as the terrible fires,up north in Queensland theres worst floods in decades,people drowned trying to cross creeks, and a 5 year old boy appears to have been taken by a croc who had moved into town because of the floodwaters.We need to turn the country around for a day and have the cyclonic rain fall on Victoria and put out the fires.
I cant watch the news unless I mute the tv,as well as the rising death toll from the fires and people losing everything including the entire TOWN they lived in,and all the people trying to evacuate talking about losing their dogs to the fire.So sad. |
| My thoughts and prayers are with all of you down under.
I have very good friends who live in Mt. Samson QLD. Haven't heard from them since New Years and didn't realize they were having such bad flooding. I read about all the towns you are talking about and can visualize them in my mind. Five years ago I spent my vacation wandering all around Victoria for a month. Visited Bendigo and the gold mines, stayed overnight in Marysville (in the worst motel), etc. I hope everyone stays safe and it cools down soon. Kathie |
| Really glad to hear everyone's safe! Our only threat is from the Beechworth fires, but it's so much milder today and we had a scattering of rain so I hope that helps. Unfortunately there have been lightning strikes around the area though, so we need to keep an eye out . I'm fairly sure we'll be safe from anything coming from the South, it's only fires from the North that would really affect us here because that's where our bush is.
My Step Dad works with RAFT (remote area fire team) so the poor thing has been fighting fires in NSW since 1.30am on Saturday morning. |
| If it werent for all the brave, generous people like your step dad things would have been a whole lot worse. His selflessness is greatly appreciated. I hope he isnt too tired and that he stays safe. |
| I'm so sorry to hear about the extreme heat. Our son is flying into Sydney on Thursday from WV, and on to Canberra for a cousin's wedding. Of course coming from winter, he is excited to be in the warmth again. We do so love our Aussie cuz. Have visited twice, and can't imagine the hospitality anywhere else in the world. Everyone we met was so extremely welcoming. Will keep you in our prayers for relief and rain to quench the fires. |
| oh this is sooo terrible....
Was it another firebug who started it? |
| Good heavens I feel so horrible for you all enduring this misery. Hang in there, I'm hoping for cool temps and lots of rain your way. |
| Saw the news on CNN this AM:Glad you're all safe. |
| It has cooled off lots today, but still windy which is a problem.
The police have formed a task force because it looks like at least some of the fires were lit by fire bugs. Certainly there's good evidence to suggest that the one that nearly got my SIL's place was deliberately lit. I dont think they even know yet with some of them because they cant get in behind the fire line yet. |
| Dogs Victoria (VCA) has just put out an appeal to all members for donations of Dog Food, bedding and general accomodation. Details and updates available on their web site.
Dogs Victoria has also heard of a member in Kinglake the whole family perished along with their Malamutes. Such a sad sad time here in Victoria as more reports still coming in. So many affected by this disaster and still on going. |
lisaoes wrote: Dogs Victoria (VCA) has just put out an appeal to all members for donations of Dog Food, bedding and general accomodation. Details and updates available on their web site.
Dogs Victoria has also heard of a member in Kinglake the whole family perished along with their Malamutes. Such a sad sad time here in Victoria as more reports still coming in. So many affected by this disaster and still on going. My fiance works for Mars Petcare... I've forwarded him some of those details and asked him if they can donate something. They're really into charity so hopefully they'll listen or someone else will have already thought of it |
lisaoes wrote: Dogs Victoria (VCA) has just put out an appeal to all members for donations of Dog Food, bedding and general accomodation. Details and updates available on their web site.
Dogs Victoria has also heard of a member in Kinglake the whole family perished along with their Malamutes. Such a sad sad time here in Victoria as more reports still coming in. So many affected by this disaster and still on going. Can you post the website for those who can donate?? Thanks Lisa I know this has to be devastating.... |
| Here is a link to what has and is still ongoing here.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/ Donners mom thanks for the kind thoughts at the moment the appeal is just Australia wide and especially here in Victoria to help out those that have lost absolutely everything for things like transporting their dogs to suitable lodgings and for members of the VCA (Dogs Victoria) to help in supplying those that have lost everything but still have their dogs food, accomodation, grooming supplies etc etc. or just a safe haven for their doggies till they get back on their feet. I have never been so scared then what has happened in the last few days, the Kinglake tragedy and all around that area is not far from us and my heart is just breaking at all the news from that area and the continual reports that are happening. We are blessed with living down the mountain in closer to Melbourne then those not that far from us in the hills above us.
Stories of houses where people stayed and thought they would be all right due to Fire protection equipment like sprinklers on there roofs and generators for water pumps, the wild fire that ripped through was just unstoppable as houses actually exploded ahead of the fire fronts due to the conditions in the most unusual conditions weather wise in the history of Victoria. Lot's died in their cars fleeing at the last minute, to see cars virtually melted on the roads out is devastating. Yes ron the fires are suspected started by Fire bugs, if they catch who started this, I hope they hang them by there testicles and slowly roast them over a fire. |
| Toll at 131 at present.
The federal attorney-general says arsonists who deliberately lit fires in Victoria on the weekend could be charged with murder if caught. Robert McClelland told parliament of the Prime Minister's right to call arsonists 'mass murderers' in the present circumstances. Mr McClelland says anyone who withholds information about the activity of firebugs could be charged with being an accessary to murder. Victorian Police Commissioner Christine Nixon says all bushfire-devastated areas will be treated as crime scenes, to determine if arson was involved |
| I'm so sorry to hear of the devastation and loss of life...
this news is heartbreaking. |
| I caught some video this morning on the Weather Channel. They were interviewing an NBC newsperson from Melbourne. It looked just horrible.
Thankfully the temp has dropped - hopefully the winds will settle too and let the fire fighters get the fires under control soon. |
| OMG, I saw a brief news report of the fires on TV this morning. How utterly devastating and awful! Mother Nature hasn't been kind to the world lately. I pray for your continued safety and for a quick change in the weather. |
| I hope everyone is alright. |
lynZoes wrote: Toll at 131 at present.
The federal attorney-general says arsonists who deliberately lit fires in Victoria on the weekend could be charged with murder if caught. Robert McClelland told parliament of the Prime Minister's right to call arsonists 'mass murderers' in the present circumstances. Mr McClelland says anyone who withholds information about the activity of firebugs could be charged with being an accessary to murder. Victorian Police Commissioner Christine Nixon says all bushfire-devastated areas will be treated as crime scenes, to determine if arson was involved I've watched tv today again as I'm hoping every hour that the situation would be cleared for you all and that they would get the fire under control or it would start raining. If I could I would send you loads loads of rain!! They also said that the people who did this would classified as a mass murder and I hope they do so! They literaly should burn them all alive so these people can "feel" what they did to other people and animals!! I cant understand that somebody can be so cruel to start this all!! Evil b....d!!! Sorry!
Hope you are all still ok!! I was devastated to see burned cars from people trying to escape cause they waited too long to try to save their house! What a horrible death to get burned alive in your own car! I send all my prayers to you and hopes for a good outcome (rain, rain, rain!)!! |
| Death toll from blazes hits 166
At least 166 people are dead and 24 blazes remain out of control as Victoria's bushfire crisis enters its fourth day. The death toll from the bushfires is certain to rise further as more remains are found in more than 700 burnt-out homes strewn through the 330,000ha so far razed in Australia's worst bushfire disaster. Most of the latest people confirmed dead were killed in the small towns of Strathewen and St Andrews, on Melbourne's bushy northeastern fringe. There are now 22 people confirmed dead at St Andrews, a town with a population of about 1,500 people. Strathewen, with only 450 people prior to the bushfires, lost 26 residents to the inferno that swept through on Saturda |
| Qld towns start clean up from floods
The massive job of cleaning up the flood ravaged town of Ingham in north Queensland will begin today as river levels begin to drop in north Queensland. The weather bureau says the Herbert River dropped to 11.1 metres at Gairloch yesterday afternoon and is expected to fall to eight metres by noon today in Ingham. Jonty Hall from the Bureau of Meteorology says there's increased potential from Thursday into Friday for heavy rain to return with the monsoon trough re-forming in the area |
| This is the situation.
Down South in Victoria and New South Wales,the fires are still burning,many towns have been razed,166 known dead.. Up North the cyclones dropped heaps of rain on many small towns and the people there are cut off but alive at least,I think theres only 3 known missing. Never been so glad to live "the back of nowhere",we are about middle distance from each,on the Qld Coast. |
| I was watching updates on the news this morning... I can't believe how much damage and the losses... This is just horrible. |
| And this did not need to be. Why would someone set these fires?
Beats me. They are mass murderers as was said. |
| I pray that everyone will soon be safe and this tragedy will stop. Hugs to you all. xx |
| I am devestated by the news and send all my love to the people of Aus during this tragedy. It's numbing to think of the senseless act which caused so much devestation and heartbreak.
I worried about my Aussie friends, their family members and friends and so glad you all are safe. You'll all be in my thoughts. Marianne |
| Why would someone do this?
I hope the temperatures begin to fall soon and the fires stop burning. Stay safe |
| Police 'closing in on arsonists'
'Operation Phoenix' will investigate the Victorian fires; it will be the biggest arson inquiry in the nation's history. * Death toll from blazes hits 181 |
| How horrific. Our thoughts are with you all. Wishing for a speedy end to this madness. |
| AS far as I can see,the death toll is 181 so far.Aussies have donated over $31 million to Red Cross for the fire victims who have survived.The donation phone lines are pretty clogged,it takes hours to get thru ,same online.
Flood victims to boost bushfire appeal Wednesday, February 11, 2009 ยป 06:05am Live News: Watch it now Victims of the North Queensland floods are planning to hand over their aid cheques to the bushfire disaster appeal. Victims of the North Queensland floods are planning to hand over their aid cheques to the bushfire disaster appeal. Victims of the North Queensland's devastating floods are planning to hand over their aid cheques to the Victorian bushfire disaster appeal. Vast areas of the state's north remain inundated with almost 3,000 homes damaged in the Ingham area alone, a legacy of ex-cyclone Ellie. As the mopping-up operation got underway now that the floodwaters are starting to recede, the federal minister in charge of the flood operation, Dr Craig Emerson, toured the area on Tuesday. And he was clearly touched by how many of the residents he met were talking about the Victorian bushfires. 'They know they've been through trying times here but there's a lot of sympathy and support for the Victorian bushfire victims,' Dr Emerson said. 'Indeed some of the people who are getting assistance here are going to give it to the bushfire victims, which I think is a wonderful tribute to the Australian spirit.' Also,,it looks like some prayers may have been answered,they are predicting rain for the fire areas on Friday and over the weekend.Lets just hope it arrives earlier than expected. |
| No rain yet, just dark skies for the last few days, wind shifts are unpredicatable and still fanning fires and threatening communities.
Everyone pray rain will fall eventually to stop this disaster. The VCA (Dogs Victoria) put up on their web sites members caught up in the tragedy. Just heartbreaking the news just amongst the dog fraternity here in Victoria, families gone along with their beloved dogs, people who got out with there dogs but lost everything, unknown status on some it just gets more heart wrenching each morning you wake up. I just feel numb from the last few days now, the OES club of Victoria has been in contact with all its members so the status there is everyone and there doggies are safe that were within the danger zones. We were all worried yesterday as a danger status was updated to include an area that one of our members runs boarding kennels there safe at the moment although fire is still near them. So we are all praying today the wind blows the other way out of that area.
The loss of life, the animals affected the wildlife etc etc is just beyond comprehension, the only way to explain the scenes of the disaster areas is the areas look like an atomic bomb went off, everything flattened, 100 year old mountain ash trees just look like burnt matchsticks poking out of the gound. Cars melted on the roads still there etc etc You wonder how anyone ever recovers from these type of disasters, the things people have seen and survived is just beyond anyones imaginations. |
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| How are you all doing down there??
You are in our thoughts. |
| Everyone just struggling along, I think. I am getting more numb everytime I hear an update on the numbers dead. The fires are still burning but due to less wind not a big threat like they were, although many communities are still on high alert. So I guess for those people life is still very stressful. But this weekend the winds are meant to change direction and pick up again so the authorities are very worried. |
| I'm so sorry to hear that the situation is still so dire. |
| So horrible
Lisa, you still ok? |
| Fine thanks just numb
Hoping all this will end soon but somehow I dont think so. Weather warming up and there hoping the 2 major fire fronts don't join up. Sky cranes and choppers still flying over our place on the way to the fire fronts. Hoping Healsville does not go up today there in trouble at the moment and we have oes friends there. |
| The AKC site has a link to an international fundraising effort - a vituual dog show - to raise money for the fire victims.
I assume you can also donate through AKC if you don't want to participate in the dog show. |
| This is a link to a home video of the fire front hitting a house in St Andrew's where my SIL lives. She kept talking about how loud the roar was and that even though she had been warned in "fire training" about the noise and how it makes people panic she still couldnt believe it.
Even though its a video its still pretty loud. The photographer talks about the lack of oxygen and that his glasses start to melt on his face. I cant believe how calm he sounds. The police have just posted 189 dead and still rising. Its too many to take in. http://media.theage.com.au/?rid=46144&source=theage.com.au/top5 |
Ellie's Mum wrote: I send all my prayers to you and hopes for a good outcome (rain, rain, rain!)!! How is the weather now? We can all help a little: http://www.dogsvictoria.org.au/Content. ... &SubID=369 Best wishes to the survivers, and everyone living in the area! |
| Dogs Victoria is helping as funds & supplies start being distributed to those members that lost all in the fires. Funds are being used to help feed the dogs, accomodate them and just general things like bedding, bowls, leads, vet care, some need months of that for burnt paws, smoke inhalation and general burns.
We have one OES member that got out with her family and 3 OES her property burnt to the ground and she has horses as well they are safe too but they lost everything. So the fund drive happening through the VCA (Dogs Victoria) is helping to assist those families whos doggies survived as well as other pets from these families that have lost everything. Entry for the International Virtual dog show is only $10Aud. Open to all furry 4 legged canine kids helping to assist those caught up in the disaster while re-building there lives, the funds going to caring for there dogs & other pets to give them one less thing to worry about. Sky cranes and choppers still flying over my place each day on the way to the fire fronts, friends with OES at Badgers Creek were under ember attack yesterday, they evcuated all the dogs a few days ago as they run boarding facitilities and overseas Fire fighting crews landed in Melbourne to help our exhausted fire crews, Americans have landed, Special sniffer dogs trained for tracing human remains landed from NZ to help search in areas still being looked at where houses have burnt to the ground. The death toll is now up to around 200 and in the coming weeks it will probably rise even more as they go into the Mountain areas and start the grizzly task of searching through the piles of rubble left in the wake of the fire storms. Some of these communites are hard to get into, they have also called in the Army to clear trees and open access to roads to these areas so teams can get in and search. Army is also bulldozing fire breaks for towns still under threat and also for Melbournes main water supply dams which are in the danger zones. I just looked at the updated list of those VCA (Dogs Victoria) members affected by the fires and as they do updates as information filters through, my heart breaks for all those affected, not only the dog fraternity but everyone affected by what has happened here, the family at Kinglake that perished there youngest little girl was only 8 months old, there malamutes died along with the whole family. They died in the car with the dogs in the dog trailer trying to evacuate they did not even make it to the front gate. Status is still unknown on some and a few got out but lost there beloeved canine kids or got out with the dogs but lost everything.
Pray we have rain falling soon, February 7th will go down as the day the gates of hell were opened here in Victoria. |
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